Some time ago, various content creators appeared who tried to trace the origins of their ancestors through a series of DNA tests. Many of the test results were truly unexpected. For example, someone who physically shows a typical European face, apparently has ancestors from the continents of Africa and Asia. The lesson that emerged from people who experienced this was respect for others regardless of their origins because who knows there might be a point of meeting of the common ancestors of two people who seem so different.

Remembrance of the history and work of ancestors is also evident in our reading this time. Nehemiah 12 records the Levites who returned home to Jerusalem. Their arrival there with an important mission, namely to re-establish worship in Jerusalem and lead the people to true praise to God. The Levites whose names are mentioned are recorded by telling the history of their ancestors. In verse 12 it is told that certain Levites who joined the group returning to Jerusalem, the heads of their families had also been priests in the time of Jehoiakim. In addition to references to the time of Jehoiakim, there are also records of the Levites who were recorded as serving God even as high priests at that time. References to the history of the Levites' service are also recorded up to the time of Darius the Persian.

Starting from Meshullam from the clan of Ezra to Jeshua son of Kadmiel. Some sang praises and thanks to God, but there were also those who became gatekeepers, namely Matthaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub. All are well recorded in the book of Nehemiah. Showing the role but also involvement in the realization of the shared dream that they had long awaited, namely the return to Jerusalem and the restoration of the city.

Bible friends, let us realize that God invites us to be involved in His work in the world. The church is a place for the cultivation of teaching and enthusiasm to spread the good news of God's salvation. That work is also expressed in the world where we work in various fields. Live with the task and calling of God in mind and take part together with believers throughout history who have continually proclaimed that vision to the world in which they live. The most important question we can reflect on is whether we are willing to be truly involved in God's work and proclamation with all the capacity we have. Just as believers throughout time have been involved in God's work.